Based on a study of forty-three of America's best-run companies from a diverse array of business sectors, In Search of Excellence describes eight basic principles of management - action-stimulating, people-oriented, profit-maximizing practices - that made these organizations successful.

[Originally published: New York : Harper & Row. 1982].

Successful American companies -- The rational model -- Man waiting for motivation -- Managing ambiguity and paradox -- A bias for action -- Close to the customer-- Autonomy and entrepreneurship -- Productivity through people -- Hands-on, value-driven -- Stick to the knitting -- Simple form, lean staff -- Simultaneous loose-tight properties.